Blasting Techniques

Fascinated by the explosives industry? Do you like to work outdoors, and in challenging environments? If so, you may be interested in exploring a career as a blaster. With our well-developed connections with industry and our specialized resources and drilling compound, students get the hands-on training necessary for their career in blasting.

• Fill blast holes with explosives and detonate them to dislodge coal, ore, rock, or aggregate, or to demolish structures.
• Gain employment with construction, mining, and drilling and blasting companies, as well as in the special effects industry.
• Focus on three types of explosive cuts, and incorporate a wide range of skills in science, mathematics, and communications.
• Courses include explosives, blasthole drilling, blasting theory, blast design, geology, safety and accident prevention, and environmental issues.

You will spend much of your time in labs, field classes and field assignments, and refining your skills in our state-of-the-art drilling and blasting training centre.

If you are an international student, check the information on admission requirements and how to apply at International Education at Fleming

This program has several advantages upon completion:

• You will have common core training as a Surface Miner as required by the Ministry of Labour to enter most blasting sites.
• You will have the option of certifying with the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) in Quarrying, Basic Construction Blasting, and the Fundamentals of Blasting (Level One).
• Another option upon graduation is to expand your career and job opportunities by continuing at Fleming College in the Resources Drilling Technician diploma program, with direct entry into the program's second semester (subject to availability).

• An enjoyment of working outdoors/ hands-on work
• Good motor skills
• Physical health
• Flexibility (particularly regarding hours of work)
• Communication/interpersonal skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Ability to plan and organize activities
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently
• Computer skills

Job opportunities are very good across many sectors and several provinces, including Ontario. With many in the field nearing retirement, there is an urgent need to replace these skilled individuals. Job titles include construction blaster, openpit blaster, and surface mining blaster. You may work closely with drillers and often perform both drilling and blasting activities. The annual salary range for a blaster/driller is $35,000 - $62,000, depending upon experience and certification. Fully qualified surface blasters make up to $50.00 per hour. Blasting assistants earn $23 - $30 per hour at the entry level (a union blaster's helper starts at $44). There are good opportunities for career advancement in this field with training and experience. Specialized areas such as underground blasting have higher pay scales.

This is a two-semester program. Students who start in September complete first semester in December, start second semester in January and complete the program in late April. Students who start in May complete first semester in August, begin second semester in September and complete the program in December.

Graduates who choose to continue their studies in the Resources Drilling Technician program start semester two of this program in either May or January.

• Vest or jacket (detachable hood only) with CSA approved Class 3 reflective striping on orange background
• Overalls or coveralls with CSA approved Class 3 reflective striping on orange background
• CSA approved 8″ (minimum) work boots
• Work gloves
• Pocket knife
• Pocket note book
• Pencils
• Tape measure (with both metric and imperial units)
• Watch or other time keeping device
• Calculator

These costs are included in student’s tuition/fees:

• CSA approved Class E hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection

• Blasters’ Handbook, 18th Edition, ISEE - $312.50 (1st semester)
• Practical Blasting Fundamentals Level 1, ISEE - $276.25 (2nd semester)

Approximate costs for extra courses that are optional but recommended:

• WHIMIS: $30.39 (online)
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods: $117.24 (Frost)
• First Aid: $117.92 + textbook (Frost)
• Working at Heights: $186.48 (Skilled Trades Certification)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick): $263.52 (Skilled Trades Course)
• H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide Safety): $200
• DZ License: $995 Ontario Truck Training Academy OTTA

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

• Assist in selecting the correct explosive materials and accessories appropriate for the design and purpose of the blast.
• Identify and maintain a safe and secure blast site.
• Protect self, co-workers and the environment through the safe use, storage and disposal of materials and operation of equipment.
• Perform a pre-blast assessment including the geological, physical characteristics and other environmental considerations of the proposed site.
• Plan, design, and initiate a blast based on a pre-blast assessment.
• Evaluate post-blast results using correct post-blast procedures.
• Attain an equivalent to the Level One requirements of the in-school curriculum for the Surface Blaster Apprenticeship (278-B).
• Drill a blasthole according to a given set of standards provided by the blasting engineer.
• Safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot drilling and blasting equipment.
• Adhere to the Federal, Provincial, Municipal and companies' policies and regulations with regard to the safe storage, transportation, and handling of explosives and other blasting and drilling equipment.
• Complete, correctly and in an efficient manner, all documentation, notes/records and reports as required in compliance with industry and government regulations and established policies and procedures.
• Work effectively as a team member in a variety of challenging blasting environments demonstrating effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Students applying to Blasting Techniques must meet the following requirements:

• OSSD with majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level including Gr 12 (E)English